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The Benefits of a Spa Day for Those With Chronic Illness

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After Mum and I enjoyed a spa break for my 30th birthday, we decided that whenever we had time, we would book a spa day for us both.  Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have been unable to enjoy a spa day together for almost a year. But with my impending birthday, we thought that it was time for some much-needed R and R.

Excitement and anticipation soon start after phoning our local spa, for a day pass. The pass includes one of their luxurious treatments and a heap of other benefits. Benefits which include full use of the spa and leisure facilities, two-course lunch buffet and complimentary towel, robe and slippers.

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A spa day is a lovely and relaxing treat for anybody, but especially those with a chronic illness

A relaxing spa day is a sublime treat for both myself and the person with whom I’m going. And provides something to look forward to beyond the daily life of managing unpleasant symptoms like chronic pain.

A spa day is something to look forward to beyond the daily life of managing unpleasant symptoms like chronic pain. Share on X

However, not only is a spa day something lovely to look forward to. But as someone living with chronic illness, I have found that I benefit immensely from it.

And I think a spa day would be beneficial for those living with chronic illness; and here are some of the reasons why:

A SPA DAY ALLOWS YOU TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES

Before my symptoms became disabling, my Mum and I loved nothing better than to travel to Cardiff. To spend the day together for some retail therapy, and perhaps even take the opportunity to eat out.

However, now as my mobility has worsened, my legs so weak that they give way easily and with no warning.  These days out together are no longer possible, not only because of the debilitating physical symptoms but also due to energy limitations.  I just don’t have the energy to do these type of high-energy activities anymore.  Not without paying a hefty price afterwards. Punishments such as a significant increase in the severity of the symptoms I already have to endure.

Like many of us living with chronic illness, it means that I often have to miss out on social gatherings. Something that is one of the most upsetting and frustrating things about living with a long-term health condition.  However, a spa day allows you to spend quality time with a friend or loved one. One that is thoroughly relaxing and low-energy, perfect for those of us with chronic illness

A spa day is thoroughly relaxing and low-energy, perfect for those of us with chronic illness. Share on X

SPA DAY: BEING ABLE TO UNWIND, DESTRESS AND INDULGE IN SELF-CARE

Like many others living with chronic illness, the condition and its constant and unrelenting symptoms cause me stress.  And never more so when I am experiencing a severe flare, much as I have done recently.  By going on a spa day, however, gave me the opportunity to escape the day-to-day stresses of living with chronic illness. Providing an opportunity to unwind and relax.  As all of us are aware, stress can often exacerbate our symptoms; by going on a spa day, it allows you the opportunity to focus on you and your needs.

A photo of the Relaxation Zone at the Vale Spa in South Wales

Like osmosis, the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the spa itself seeps into my body making me calm and relaxed despite any pain or discomfort I’m experiencing.  Hell, I become so relaxed that I end up catching on any missed sleep in one of the Relaxation Zones. Bliss!

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THE TREATMENTS ON OFFER ON A SPA DAY CAN HELP REDUCE CHRONIC PAIN 

There are a variety of treatments and massages on offer in spas like the one I frequent.  For those who can tolerate touch, as some suffering from allodynia would not benefit from such treatments.  One of my favourite treatments is the aromatherapy massage. But a hot stone massage may also be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain. Research has found that the therapy eases muscle stiffness, increases circulation and metabolism. It also increases blood flow throughout the body as the hot stones help to expand blood vessels.

Furthermore, massages have also been found to release the same ‘feel-good’ endorphins that you get from working out.  The release of endorphins acts as a natural pain reliever.  The more your body produces these endorphins, the quicker it learns how to release them.  Therefore, regular massage therapy helps to stop the buildup of toxic blockages that hinder the flow of oxygen around the body causing pain and inflammation and to also help the body’s response to it.

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An aromatherapy massage as well as having the same benefits as listed above is also said to ease headaches, improve sleeping problems, lowers feeling of anxiety and improves mood.  The practitioner can tailor the aromatherapy oils depending on you and your symptoms.  During a previous massage, peppermint oil was used on my body, including my stomach. I found that this really helped ease nausea I experience as a side effect of the medications that I take.

I also love having a facial, which is just as relaxing as any of the other treatments already mentioned. Afterwards, my skin is glowing making me look healthy and radiant. A natural healthy glow instead of the pale and unhealthy complexion which has become my norm. And when I look good, I also feel good.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE OTHER FACILITIES ON OFFER 

As well as delivering ultimate pampering treatments, most spas also have jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms to use during your stay.  Jacuzzi’s are excellent for those like myself who suffer from neurological conditions. The warm water decreases joint stiffness, normalises muscle tone, as well as promoting muscle relaxation all helping to relieve pain. I love spending time in the spa’s jacuzzi, and feel relaxed and rejuvenated doing so. And experiencing a reduction in the amount of pain I am experiencing.  I find it so beneficial that it’s difficult getting me out of there!

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There are plenty of benefits for using jacuzzi’s and steam room, both popular in spa resorts

There are also many benefits of using saunas and steam rooms.  Saunas, for example, are great for detox, as sweating is one of the best ways to remove toxins from the body.

Saunas and steam rooms are although not suitable if suffering from heat intolerance which many suffering from neurological conditions do.  However, even a few minutes in the steam room or sauna can be beneficial. In addition to detoxing, they may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

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Furthermore, it’s important to reiterate that spending time in hot water and facilities such and saunas and steam rooms can be as good as exercise.  Great news for those who find exercise difficult because of their condition. But it is still important to pace yourself especially for those who struggle with fatigue.  Also, if you have a high blood pressure than you need to consult a medical professional as it may be unsuitable.

A SPA DAY: NO PRESSURES AND A DAY OF NORMALITY 

We all have pressures in our lives whether it comes from work, family, or friends.  When living with chronic illness, we may often feel pressure to do things that we might not feel physically able to do, others not understanding why we can’t because we look healthy on the outside.  Them not understanding how we can still be in pain, or feel so fatigued.

A significant advantage of a spa day is that there are no pressures from others or any need to places any burden on ourselves to do this or that because we feel we should be doing something than resting and looking ourselves. On these days, there is nothing to do but care for ourselves, listen to our bodies and instead do what we need to for us.  A day not continually checking social media, and worrying about what is going on around us.  A day just for us.

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A DAY IN WHICH THE LIMITATIONS OF CHRONIC ILLNESS DO NOT DEFINE ME

At the spa, I feel completely safe and at ease in the environment, which is not always the case because of my neurological condition.  But there, I can take everything at my own pace, even being left alone in one of the relaxation areas while my companion goes to another part to do what they want. It’s, in fact, a spa day is one in which I almost feel ‘normal,’ a day which I am not defined by the limitations of my condition. A day with no ‘I can’t’ and being stopped by the symptoms that I endure because of said condition.  All there is to do is lie back, relax and enjoy!

…I almost feel 'normal, a day which I am not defined by the limitations of my condition. Share on X

There are just a few of the many reasons why a spa day can benefit for those living with chronic illness.  I always come away feeling tired, but still incredibly relaxed, happy and even in less pain.

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My local spa has become a ‘happy place’ to me

I definitely feel and enjoy the benefits of a spa day and would recommend it to anyone.  Plus, it provides a fun and relaxed day out. One that I can actually enjoy and feel comfortable in my surroundings, and allows me time to spend with Mum away from home. I cannot wait until our next day whenever that will be!

Have you tried a spa day?  What did you think?

Let me know in the comment box below or let me know via social media!

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In Chronic Illness

A Month of Life & Chronic Illness

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After a long hiatus from blogging, I am starting to feel normal again, or as normal as I can possibly feel and to help acclimatise myself with blogging again, I once more am taking part in the February Linkup Party with Sheryl from ‘A Chronic Voice.’

The prompts for this month are:

  • Adapting
  • Practicing
  • Realising
  • Celebrating
  • Inviting

Here we go…

After years of living with a neurological condition and its constant fluctuations, you would think I would be used to it and had fully adapted to a new reality of living with debilitating symptoms.  But, even after many setbacks, or ‘flares’ as we in the chronic illness community like to call them, our new reality of like with illness is one we never fully adapt to or accept.

I thought I had accepted and adapted to a new reality of a life of symptoms including dizziness, vertigo as well as managing to continually walk on trembling legs which you can never trust not to collapse from under you.  But after spending many miserable weeks, with these permanent and unrelenting symptoms at its worst, I again came to the realisation that acceptance is not the end of the journey of coming to terms with a diagnosis of a long-term health condition.  Instead, it is a destination that we have to revisit again and again, especially when dealing with dealing with our personal storms.

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Acceptance is a journey and not the destination.

In the meantime, I am exploring my toolbox of coping strategies that I’ve acquired over the years.  Insights and advice gained from mental health professionals, friends and fellow ‘spoonie’ warriors, books and television programmes, all of which has helped me a great deal and helps to shelter me from the worst of the storms.  I don’t know when the worst of these symptoms will pass, but until then I will do my best to find shelter until this particular storm dissipates.

In a weird twist of fate, just when I am experiencing a severe storm in regards to my health, I am enrolled in a course about Acceptance-Commitment Therapy.  The aim of Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT) is to help people accept what is out of their personal control and to commit to actions that improve and enriches their lives. Most of the course has been very much based on its theory, which has been very interesting but some of the course has been teaching us psychological skills to better deal with painful thoughts and feelings.

Through this, I have been practising meditation and mindfulness techniques to lessen the effects that pain and the negative thoughts have on my everyday life.  It is not easy and requires much practice but I can start to see the benefits, and it had helped when the pain has been at it’s worst as well as keeping me calm when feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

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The ACT course and mindfulness has helped in allowing me to let go of the things that I cannot control and instead focus on what I am able to control

Since starting the course, and seeing the benefits that the course has had on my well-being, I began realising that I can still have fun, have enjoyment and contentment while in pain.  Recently, Mum and I went to the theatre to watch Flashdance (an unexpected Christmas present!), but while there I was experiencing significant pain in my legs as well as a myriad of other symptoms including vertigo and visual disturbances.  When they suddenly came on, I felt a wave of great disappointment that my rare night out was spoilt because of my neurological condition.  But, after practising some of the techniques we have been learning during the course in ACT, I managed to divert my attention away from the nuisance symptoms and to what was going in front of me and the fantastic music and dancing.

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And it worked! Because of the severity of the symptoms that seemingly appeared from nowhere, I felt that I wanted to leave and go home to the safety and security of more familiar surroundings.  But, I didn’t and made it through the entire show and had a great time (despite the incident when my legs gave way when we were leaving!).  It was then that I realised that chronic pain and fun doesn’t have to be irreconcilable.

It is little victories like the theatre trip which I am celebrating this month.  It may seem small and trivial, but they are monumental considering the effect that symptoms of chronic illness have on our lives.  Not cancelling on invitations, pushing through symptoms to get our normal chores done or just doing something we thought we never thought we could do are all worthy of celebration.  I know just how difficult living this chronic life can be and how it affects your entire life and what you are and aren’t able to do, so celebrate your victories as I know how hard you’ve worked to achieve them.

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Let’s celebrate everything that we achieve especially as chronic illness gives us many obstacles stopping us from doing so…

To end, I think I would like to invite more opportunity into my life.  Perhaps, by expanding my writing beyond the blog.  Writing is something that I enjoy immensely and something that I am passionate about so I would love to be able to do more of, so if anyone has any suggestions or offers, please let me know!  Loneliness and isolation is again something that I have been struggling so am inviting more opportunities to meet new people, and expanding my social circle.  Of course, it is difficult when considering that I am unable to get out of the house on my own or even that I am not invited to attend social occasions by those that I do know.  But hopefully, by participating in more courses like the ACT course, I am able to meet new people and widen my social circle and find my own tribe.

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In Chronic Illness

You Behind The Illness

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Thank you to the lovely Emma, who writes a fantastic blog at Not Just Tired, which raises awareness of ME/CFS and how to live well despite it, for tagging me to take part in #behindtheillness.  This lovely exercise aims to share fun facts about yourself and let others know things about you beyond chronic illness.

Here we go!

Four places I’ve lived:

  1. Minden, Germany
  2. Chepstow, South Wales
  3. Fallingbostel, Germany
  4. Pontypridd, South Wales

Four places I’ve worked: 

  1. Sales Assistant, Somerfield Stores
  2. Volunteer Resource Centre Worker for Mind
  3. Volunteer Support Worker for those with Special Educational Needs
  4. School Peer Counsellor during Sixth Form

Four favourite hobbies: 

  1. Writing my blog
  2. Reading of any description!
  3. Enjoying a relaxing spa day when I can
  4. Going to the theatre

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A great memory of going to see Legally Blonde. Such a fun musical and left with a great big smile on my face!

Four things I like to watch: 

  1. Films and particularly enjoy a lovely rom-com or something uplifting
  2. Crime dramas – so much choice, I couldn’t possibly choose just one!
  3. Loving binge-watching Arrow at the moment
  4. Soaps – great to watch and unwind during the nights

Four things I love to read:

  1. Anything by Jodi Picoult
  2. Chick-lit for a bit of light reading
  3. Crime novels
  4. Other people’s blogs

Four places I’ve been: 

  1. Olden, Norway
  2. Stavanger, Norway
  3. Florida, USA
  4. Cornwall on many a family holiday!

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The beauty of Olden

Four things I love to eat: 

  1. Lasagna
  2. Roast Dinner (Chicken Roast Dinner in particular)
  3. Chocolate
  4. Chicken Korma – ultimate comfort food!

Four favourite things to drink: 

  1. Water
  2. Hot Chocolate
  3. Peppermint Tea
  4. Apple Juice

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Nothing more comforting than a mug of delicious Hot Chocolate!

Four places I want to visit: 

  1. Verona, Italy
  2. Prague
  3. Lake Como, Italy
  4. Banff, Canada

Four bloggers I’d like to tag:

  1. Mackenzie from Life with an Illness
  2. Sarah from The F Word
  3. Charlotte from FND and Me
  4. Jen from Spoonfuls of Glitter

Phew! It was so hard to narrow it down to just four bloggers as there are so many wonderful bloggers that I would love to have also tagged (and more who have already participated!). But for those who have not yet been nominated, feel free to share your answers as I would love to know you all more.

And thanks again to Emma for nominating me!

Rhiann xx

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In Chronic Illness

2018: A Year to Cultivate Resilience

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Again, we have just bared witness as tour diaries turned the page over into a brand new year.  And as such, we begin to reflect on the previous year and make plans for the next.  With the best intentions, people make resolutions only to break them before the end of January.

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When living with a chronic illness, however, life becomes unpredictable.  Every day we wake up, never knowing how our bodies are going to behave that minute, hour or day.  We never know how we are going to feel one minute to the next.

As a result, making resolutions to us seems to be futile. How can we make realistic and achievable resolutions when our lives are so uncertain, and our bodies unreliable? By doing so, are we setting ourselves up for possible failure by making unrealistic expectations?

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Last year, therefore, instead of making such demands on my life, which due to my fragile body I may not be able to accomplish, I come up with a ‘theme’ for the year ahead.  One word that reflects how I wish to live my life and be a reflection of the type of person I want to become.  The chosen word is said to be a compass to help direct us to make smart decisions as well as a guide to the best way to live life day-to-day.

It is now my third year in choosing a word of the year.  In 2016 my chosen word was hope, and my word for 2017 was grace. 

I had been having a hard time, however, of choosing a word to help direct how I wanted me and my life to become.  Inspiration came this morning when the weakness in the legs consumed me and was unable to get out of bed.  It is unfortunately not an uncommon experience for me, and such ‘attacks’ have even known to last all day.  The strength and function of my legs returned a couple of hours later and was able to get out of bed.  Then Eureka, the word came to me – resilience. 

Light up thenight at promwith me_

Resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.”  It is a quality in which a person rather than letting failure or obstacles defeat them, they find a way to overcome such stumbling blocks and rise from the ashes.  When living with a chronic illness, resilience is also about learning to recognise and accept that life with an illness is much like riding a rollercoaster, with many ups and downs.   Secondly, it is about learning coping strategies to acquire the strength and ability to take the ride. Then, an action plan can be put in place to help ourselves better cope with the challenges caused by chronic illness.

Some say that resilience is a quality that I possess in great supply.  These people see a person who despite everything a neurological condition throws at her, she still manages to get up and get on with life.  But, then again I don’t have much choice.

But emotionally when dealing with setbacks and the upheaval of coping when the symptoms are at its worse, then I somewhat of a mess!  The negativity and upset that it causes impacts on my internal dialogue, my behaviours and my self-worth, and leaves me feeling depleted and flat.  So, resilience is my word for the year as I want to learn to be more conscious of how life with this neurological condition is impacting me and to decide how I want to react.

Emotionally, I want to be able to bounce back quickly after confronting such debilitating symptoms. To not dwell on the negative and instead more productive ways to cope when these do occur.

I am starting my journey to resilience by keeping a ‘joy jar.’

Every day it is going to be my mission to write something that gave me joy, or that something that I managed to accomplish despite the limitations that the neurological condition places on my everyday life.  I can look back on these little notes of joy, positivity and encouragement on the awful days and allow myself to remember everything that I able to do instead of focusing on what I cannot or no longer able to do.

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Wish me luck on my journey of discovering resilience!

What is going to be your ‘one word’ of the year?

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Being A Prisoner To Chronic Illness
In Chronic Illness

Being a Prisoner to Chronic Illness

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Being A Prisoner to Illness

Loneliness. Isolation. Solitude.  Three words that I would describe life with a neurological disorder. Excluding words, of course, associated with the symptoms that accompany said condition. You become a prisoner to chronic illness; a prisoner in your own body.

Not fitting in

"Loneliness. Isolation. Solitude.  Three words that I would describe life with chronic illness." Share on X

Having experienced symptoms from a young age, I have always felt like I’ve never fitted in anywhere. Like Belle, from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ I have always felt that others think of me as odd and different. Both Belle and the Beast are outsiders in the movie, both harbouring feelings of loneliness and it is this that I have resonated with over the years.

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Often, I feel that I don’t fit in with my own family; a jigsaw piece that doesn’t fit in with the incomplete puzzle. Of course, I have had made friends, but just like the seasons, they have come and gone. So-called friends bullied or ostracised me. They were unable to understand my unusual ‘quirks.’ Rejection is something that I have dealt with over the years and perhaps is the reason why I find it so hard to trust people and remain protective of my heart, keeping people at a safe distance.

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The Limiting of Symptoms

It’s difficult living with a neurological condition that affects your perception of the world. Some places like those with high ceilings or fluorescent lighting can be difficult for me to cope with, including cinemas and large shopping malls. Because of this, over the years I have had to decline invitations to such places to avoid the triggers that provoke the onset of my symptoms.

It seems that if you decline invitations on several occasions, you become a social pariah and such invites become no longer offered. And that hurts because it’s not that we don’t want to go on trips to the cinema or go shopping with friends, but symptoms of our health condition, unfortunately, limit us.

Feeling pushed out and neglected because of symptoms of chronic illness

We want to feel included, invited to events even if we aren’t always able to attend. Our anthem song has slowly become ‘All By Myself,’ and the lyrics “I think of all the friends I’ve known/But when I dial the telephone/Nobody’s home” has never felt so apt.

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I feel limited by my condition. The dizziness is so disabling that it leaves me disorientated and confused. Trembling in the legs so severe that I have no idea when they are going to give away and unable to go out without somebody with me. And as I usually only go out with either my parents or my carer, it can make meeting new people extremely challenging. As such, I spend the majority of my days inside the same four walls.

Prisoner to Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic illness can often feel like living in prison; imprisoned by debilitating symptoms which are so constant that they have become a part of everyday life. Debilitating symptoms that keep us chained to our homes, often even just our bedrooms.

"Living with a chronic illness can often feel like living in prison; imprisoned by debilitating symptoms which are so constant that they have become a part of everyday life." Share on X

During our first cruise, due to the severity of symptoms, much of the holiday was spent inside the cabin. Unable to even get out once off the ship to enjoy the surroundings that the beautiful countries had to offer.

And as much as I wanted to persist and visit the places our holiday had to offer.  As much as I would like to get out of my ‘prison’ and participate fully in life, it is incredibly difficult.  It feels as though I am being held hostage by the myriad of symptoms that accompany chronic illness.

At other times, it is not being held hostage by symptoms that keep me prisoner but rather the lack of opportunity.

Others may assume that I am forced to decline invitations due to ill health, or otherwise forgotten. But whatever the reason I’m once again excluded, ostracised. Even in the darkest times, experiencing the extreme depths of loneliness and isolation, I crave the company of others. The companionship of others who I don’t live with and already regularly see!

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Finding Companionship Amongst Solitude

Amidst the constant solitude, we are forced to find companionship amongst books. Whenever I reread ‘Little Women,’ it is like saying hello again to an old friend. Failing that, on some of our worst days, then it is our favourite TV shows that help keep us company. Netflix is a welcome distraction from the silence and solitude that surround us.

You then have to endure seeing photographic evidence of parties and gatherings that you seemingly have been excluded. Little by little, it chips away at the self-confidence that living with chronic illness has already eroded. Amid the times where you manage to get out of the house, you feel awkward and unsure during social situations. After being stuck inside the house for so long, it seems that we have forgotten how to converse.

"Netflix is a welcome distraction from the silence and solitude that surround us." Share on X
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The vast community that exists of fellow warriors, helps with the isolation that living with chronic illness can bring. The friendships with others who can relate to what you are going through can bring welcome light into the darkness. At last making, you feel less alone in the world.

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It is these relationships which help loosen the shackles. And which can help release you from the prison that living with a chronic illness has built.

"Social media helps with the loneliness and isolation that chronic illness can bring." Share on X

Who else can relate? What do you do to get out of your personal ‘prison’?

I am so sorry if you can relate, and that loneliness and isolation is a regular part of your life. But remember that you are not alone. Feel free to comment below, or connect with me on social media (links at the top of the page).

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